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Vargila F, Bai SMM, Mary JVJ, Citarasu T. Isolation, characterization and antimicrobial properties of hepatopancreas lectin of the freshwater crab Oziotelphusanaga. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 222:106536. [PMID: 38908458 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2024.106536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Lectins are versatile proteins that specifically recognize and interact with sugar moieties expressed on the cell surface. The potential of lectin in drug targeting and delivery has instigated interest to identify natural lectins. Crabs have been identified as a rich source of lectin because the innate immune system is activated on encounter of pathogens and helps in the production of lectin. Although the presence of lectins in crab's hemolymph is well documented, little information about lectin in hepatopancreas, a vital organ for immunity and digestion in crustaceans, is currently available. A calcium dependent lectin (75 kDa) was purified from the hepatopancreas of the freshwater crab Oziotelphusa naga by bioadsorption and fetuin linked Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography technique. The isolated hepatopancreas lectin is calcium dependent and maximum agglutination was observed with rabbit erythrocytes. The hemagglutinating activity of the hepatopancreas lectin was effectively inhibited by sugars, such as α-lactose, GlcNAc, trehalose and NeuAc. Compared to sialylated N-glycosylated proteins including transferrin and apo transferrin, sialylated O-glycosylated proteins like fetuin exhibited stronger inhibitory effect. The ability of erythrocytes to bind hepatopancreas lectin has been diminished by desialylation of the potent inhibitor, indicating the significance of sialic acid in lectin-ligand interactions. The purified hepatopancreas lectin showed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The findings of this study demonstrate the significance of hepatopancreas lectin as a multifunctional defense protein that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vargila
- Department of Zoology, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, India; Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, 627 012, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - S Mary Mettilda Bai
- Department of Zoology, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, India; Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, 627 012, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - J Vinoliya Josephine Mary
- Department of Zoology, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, India; Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, 627 012, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - T Citarasu
- Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, India
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2
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Silva RRS, Malveira EA, Aguiar TKB, Neto NAS, Roma RR, Santos MHC, Santos ALE, Silva AFB, Freitas CDT, Rocha BAM, Souza PFN, Teixeira CS. DVL, lectin from Dioclea violacea seeds, has multiples mechanisms of action against Candida spp via carbohydrate recognition domain. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110639. [PMID: 37468117 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Lectins are proteins of non-immunological origin with the ability to bind to carbohydrates reversibly. They emerge as an alternative to conventional antifungals, given the ability to interact with carbohydrates in the fungal cell wall inhibiting fungal growth. The lectin from D. violacea (DVL) already has its activity described as anti-candida in some species. Here, we observed the anti-candida effect of DVL on C. albicans, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis and its multiple mechanisms of action toward the yeasts. Additionally, it was observed that DVL induces membrane and cell wall damage and ROS overproduction. DVL was also able to cause an imbalance in the redox system of the cells, interact with ergosterol, inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis, and induce cytochrome c release from the mitochondrial membrane. These results endorse the potential application of DVL in developing a new antifungal drug to fight back against fungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romério R S Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Ellen A Malveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Tawanny K B Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Nilton A S Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Renato R Roma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Maria H C Santos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Ana L E Santos
- Medical School, Federal University of Cariri, Barbalha, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F B Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Bruno A M Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil; Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430-275, CE, Brazil.
| | - Claudener S Teixeira
- Center for Agricultural Sciences and Biodiversity, Federal University of Cariri, Crato, 63130-025, Brazil.
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3
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Nabeta HW, Lasnik AB, Fuqua JL, Wang L, Rohan LC, Palmer KE. Antiviral lectin Q-Griffithsin suppresses fungal infection in murine models of vaginal candidiasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:976033. [PMID: 36329822 PMCID: PMC9623022 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.976033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to antifungal agents in vulvovaginal candidiasis has resulted in increasing morbidity among women globally. It is therefore crucial that new antimycotic agents are developed to counter this rising challenge. Q-Griffithsin (Q-GRFT) is a red algal lectin, manufactured in Nicotiana benthamiana. Griffithsin has well characterized broad spectrum antiviral activity and has demonstrated potent in vitro activity against multiple strains of Candida, including C. albicans. We have been working to incorporate Q-GRFT into topical microbicide products to prevent HIV-1 and HSV-2 transmission. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a prototype Q-GRFT dosage form in prophylactic and therapeutic murine models of vaginal candidiasis, through microbiologic, histopathologic, and immune studies. In a preventive model, in comparison with infected controls, Q-GRFT treatment resulted in a lower fungal burden but did not alter the number of vaginal neutrophils and monocytes. In a therapeutic model, Q-GRFT enhanced fungal clearance when compared with infected untreated controls. Finally, histopathology demonstrated lower vaginal colonization with C. albicans following Q-GRFT treatment. Our results demonstrate that Q-GRFT has significant preventive and therapeutic activity in vaginal candidiasis offering additional benefit as a topical microbicide for prevention of HIV-1 and HSV-2 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry W. Nabeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Henry W. Nabeta, ; Kenneth E. Palmer,
| | - Amanda B. Lasnik
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
| | - Joshua L. Fuqua
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
| | - Lin Wang
- Infectious Diseases, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Lisa C. Rohan
- Infectious Diseases, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kenneth E. Palmer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Henry W. Nabeta, ; Kenneth E. Palmer,
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Fonseca VJA, Braga AL, Filho JR, Teixeira CS, da Hora GCA, Morais-Braga MFB. A review on the antimicrobial properties of lectins. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 195:163-178. [PMID: 34896466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.11.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Lectins are biologically versatile biomolecules with remarkable antimicrobial effects, notably against bacteria, fungi and protozoa, in addition to modulating host immunity. For this, the lectins bind to carbohydrates on the surface of the pathogen, which can cause damage to the cell wall and prevent the attachment of microorganisms to host cells. Thus, this study intends to review the biological activities of lectins, with an emphasis on antimicrobial activity. Lectins of plant stood out for its antimicrobial effects, demonstrating that they act against a variety of strains, where in vitro were able to inhibit their development and affect their morphology. In vivo, they modulated host immunity, signaling and activating defense cells. Some of these lectins were capable to modulate the action of antibiotics, indicating their potential to minimize the antibiotic resistance. The results suggest that lectins have antimicrobial activity with potential to be used in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Juno Alencar Fonseca
- Laboratório de Micologia Aplicada do Cariri - LMAC, Universidade Regional do Cariri - URCA, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Ana Lays Braga
- Laboratório de Micologia Aplicada do Cariri - LMAC, Universidade Regional do Cariri - URCA, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Jaime Ribeiro Filho
- Laboratório de Investigação em Genética e Hematologia Translacional, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz (IGM), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Claudener Souza Teixeira
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias e da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Cariri, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Gabriel C A da Hora
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850, USA
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Nabeta HW, Kouokam JC, Lasnik AB, Fuqua JL, Palmer KE. Novel Antifungal Activity of Q-Griffithsin, a Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Lectin. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0095721. [PMID: 34494857 PMCID: PMC8557872 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00957-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a rising global incidence of Candida strains with high levels of resistance to fluconazole and other antifungal drugs, hence the need for novel antifungal treatment strategies. Here, we describe the first evidence of antifungal activity of Q-Griffithsin (Q-GRFT), a recombinant oxidation-resistant variant of Griffithsin, a marine red algal lectin with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. We demonstrated that Q-GRFT binds to α-mannan in the Candida albicans cell wall. We also observed that Q-GRFT binding disrupted cell wall integrity and induced reactive oxidative species (ROS) formation, resulting in cell death. Furthermore, we showed that Q-GRFT inhibited the growth of other Candida species C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei and had modest activity against some strains of multi- and pandrug-resistant C. auris. We found that Q-GRFT induced differential expression of numerous genes involved in response to cell stress, including those responsible for neutralizing ROS production and cell cycle regulation. In conclusion, this novel antifungal activity suggests that Q-GRFT is potentially an ideal drug candidate and represents an alternative strategy for the prevention and treatment of candidiasis. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections contribute to morbidity and mortality annually, and the number of organisms that are nonresponsive to the current available drug regimens are on the rise. There is a need to develop new agents to counter these infections and to add to the limited arsenal available to treat fungal infections. Our study has identified Q-GRFT, a broad-spectrum antiviral protein that harbors growth-inhibitory activity against several Candida strains, as a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry W. Nabeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Joseph C. Kouokam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Amanda B. Lasnik
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Joshua L. Fuqua
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Kenneth E. Palmer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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6
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Antiproliferative and Antimicrobial Potentials of a Lectin from Aplysia kurodai (Sea Hare) Eggs. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19070394. [PMID: 34356819 PMCID: PMC8306185 DOI: 10.3390/md19070394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been considerable interest in lectins from marine invertebrates. In this study, the biological activities of a lectin protein isolated from the eggs of Sea hare (Aplysia kurodai) were evaluated. The 40 kDa Aplysia kurodai egg lectin (or AKL-40) binds to D-galacturonic acid and D-galactose sugars similar to previously purified isotypes with various molecular weights (32/30 and 16 kDa). The N-terminal sequence of AKL-40 was similar to other sea hare egg lectins. The lectin was shown to be moderately toxic to brine shrimp nauplii, with an LC50 value of 63.63 µg/mL. It agglutinated Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells and reduced their growth, up to 58.3% in vivo when injected into Swiss albino mice at a rate of 2 mg/kg/day. The morphology of these cells apparently changed due to AKL-40, while the expression of apoptosis-related genes (p53, Bax, and Bcl-XL) suggested a possible apoptotic pathway of cell death. AKL-40 also inhibited the growth of human erythroleukemia cells, probably via activating the MAPK/ERK pathway, but did not affect human B-lymphoma cells (Raji) or rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-1). In vitro, lectin suppressed the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and U937 cells by 37.9% and 31.8%, respectively. Along with strong antifungal activity against Talaromyces verruculosus, AKL showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella sonnei, and Bacillus cereus whereas the growth of Escherichia coli was not affected by the lectin. This study explores the antiproliferative and antimicrobial potentials of AKL as well as its involvement in embryo defense of sea hare.
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Del Rio M, de la Canal L, Regente M. Plant Antifungal Lectins: Mechanism of Action and Targets on Human Pathogenic Fungi. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 21:284-294. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190906164448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lectins are proteins characterized by their ability to specifically bind different carbohydrate motifs. This feature is associated with their endogenous biological function as well as with multiple applications. Plants are important natural sources of these proteins; however, only a reduced group was shown to display antifungal activity. Although it is hypothesized that the target of lectins is the fungal cell wall, the mechanism through which they exert the antifungal action is poorly understood. This topic is relevant to improve treatment against pathogens of importance for human health. In this context, mechanisms pointing to essential attributes for virulence instead of the viability of the pathogen emerge as a promising approach. This review provides the current knowledge on the action mechanism of plant antifungal lectins and their putative use for the development of novel active principles against fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Del Rio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET, Funes 3250, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Laura de la Canal
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET, Funes 3250, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Mariana Regente
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata - CONICET, Funes 3250, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
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Singh RS, Thakur SR, Kennedy JF. Purification and characterisation of a xylose-specific mitogenic lectin from Fusarium sambucinum. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 152:393-402. [PMID: 32084487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.02.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A xylose-specific intracellular lectin, showing hemagglutination only with rabbit erythrocytes was purified from mycelium of Fusarium sambucinum which was designated as FSL. An array of anion exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose and gel-exclusion chromatography on Sephadex G-100 resulted in 84.21% yield and 53.99-fold purification of lectin with specific activity of 169.53 titre/mg. Molecular weight of FSL determined by SDS-PAGE was 70.7 kDa, which was further confirmed by gel-exclusion chromatography. Native-PAGE analysis of FSL showed its monomeric nature. FSL was observed to be a glycoprotein containing 2.9% carbohydrate. Hapten inhibition profile of FSL displayed its strong affinity towards D-xylose (MIC 1.562 mM), L-fucose (MIC 6.25 mM), D-mannose (MIC 3.125 mM), fetuin (MIC 15.62 μg/mL), asialofetuin (MIC 125 μg/mL) and BSM (MIC 3.125 μg/mL). Affinity of FSL towards xylose is rare. FSL was found stable over a pH range 6.0-7.5 and upto 40 °C temperature. Hemagglutination activity of FSL remained unaffected by divalent ions. Lectin concentration of 5 μg/mL was found sufficient to stimulate proliferation of murine spleen cells and its concentration 75 μg/mL exhibited highest mitogenic potential. FSL exhibited maximum mitogenic stimulatory index of 14.35. The purification, characterisation and mitogenicity of F. sambucinum lectin has been reported first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Sarup Singh
- Carbohydrate and Protein Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Punjabi University, 147 002 Patiala, India.
| | - Shivani Rani Thakur
- Carbohydrate and Protein Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Punjabi University, 147 002 Patiala, India
| | - John F Kennedy
- Chembiotech Laboratories Ltd, WR15 8SG Tenbury Wells, United Kingdom
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9
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Cavada BS, Osterne VJS, Pinto-Junior VR, Nascimento KS. ConBr, the Lectin from Canavalia brasiliensis Mart. Seeds: Forty Years of Research. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:600-613. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190104123210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lectins are defined as proteins or glycoproteins capable of specific and reversible binding to
carbohydrates. Inside this group of proteins, the most well-studied lectins belong to the Leguminosae
family, and inside this family, the Diocleinae subtribe includes the most characterized lectin Concanavalin
A (ConA), as well as ConBr, the lectin from Canavalia brasiliensis, the subject of this review.
Since 1979, several studies have been published in the literature regarding this lectin, from its isolation
and characterization to its several biological activities. This year, 2019, will mark 40 years since researchers
have begun to study ConBr and 100 years since the discovery of ConA, making 2019 a momentous
year for lectinology. Owing to the abundance of studies involving ConBr, this review will
focus on ConBr’s purification, physicochemical properties, functional and structural analyses, biological
activities and biotechnological applications. This will give researchers a broad glimpse into the
potential of this lectin, as well as it characteristics, as we look ahead to its expanding applications in
glycomics and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benildo Sousa Cavada
- BioMol-Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Ceara, Brazil
| | | | - Vanir Reis Pinto-Junior
- BioMol-Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Kyria Santiago Nascimento
- BioMol-Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Ceara, Brazil
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Cavada BS, Pinto-Junior VR, Osterne VJS, Nascimento KS. ConA-Like Lectins: High Similarity Proteins as Models to Study Structure/Biological Activities Relationships. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010030. [PMID: 30577614 PMCID: PMC6337138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lectins are a widely studied group of proteins capable of specific and reversible binding to carbohydrates. Undoubtedly, the best characterized are those extracted from plants of the Leguminosae family. Inside this group of proteins, those from the Diocleinae subtribe have attracted attention, in particular Concanavalin A (ConA), the best-studied lectin of the group. Diocleinae lectins, also called ConA-like lectins, present a high similarity of sequence and three-dimensional structure and are known to present inflammatory, vasoactive, antibiotic, immunomodulatory and antitumor activities, among others. This high similarity of lectins inside the ConA-like group makes it possible to use them to study structure/biological activity relationships by the variability of both carbohydrate specificity and biological activities results. It is in this context the following review aims to summarize the most recent data on the biochemical and structural properties, as well as biological activities, of ConA-like lectins and the use of these lectins as models to study structure/biological activity relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benildo S Cavada
- BioMol-Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza-CE 60440-970, Brazil.
| | - Vanir R Pinto-Junior
- BioMol-Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza-CE 60440-970, Brazil.
| | - Vinicius J S Osterne
- BioMol-Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza-CE 60440-970, Brazil.
| | - Kyria S Nascimento
- BioMol-Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza-CE 60440-970, Brazil.
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Mazalovska M, Kouokam JC. Lectins as Promising Therapeutics for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV and Other Potential Coinfections. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3750646. [PMID: 29854749 PMCID: PMC5964492 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3750646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a global health problem. Current therapeutics specifically target the viral pathogen at various stages of its life cycle, although complex interactions between HIV and other pathogenic organisms are evident. Targeting HIV and concomitant infectious pathogens simultaneously, both by therapeutic regimens and in prevention strategies, would help contain the AIDS pandemic. Lectins, a ubiquitous group of proteins that specifically bind glycosylated molecules, are interesting compounds that could be used for this purpose, with demonstrated anti-HIV properties. In addition, potential coinfecting pathogens, including other enveloped viruses, bacteria, yeasts and fungi, and protozoa, display sugar-coated macromolecules on their surfaces, making them potential targets of lectins. This review summarizes the currently available findings suggesting that lectins should be further developed to simultaneously fight the AIDS pandemic and concomitant infections in HIV infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Mazalovska
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - J. Calvin Kouokam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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12
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da Silva PM, de Moura MC, Gomes FS, da Silva Trentin D, Silva de Oliveira AP, de Mello GSV, da Rocha Pitta MG, de Melo Rego MJB, Coelho LCBB, Macedo AJ, de Figueiredo RCBQ, Paiva PMG, Napoleão TH. PgTeL, the lectin found in Punica granatum juice, is an antifungal agent against Candida albicans and Candida krusei. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 108:391-400. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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13
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Abreu DS, Sousa TP, Castro CB, Sousa MN, Silva TT, Almeida-Neto FW, Queiros MV, Rodrigues BS, Oliveira MC, Paulo TF, Cavada BS, Nascimento KS, Temperini ML, Diógenes IC. SAM of Gliotoxin on Gold: A Natural Product Platform for Sugar Recognition based on the Immobilization of Canavalia brasiliensis lectin (ConBr). Electrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.04.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Silva AF, Matos MP, Ralph MT, Silva DL, de Alencar NM, Ramos MV, Lima-Filho JV. Comparison of immunomodulatory properties of mannose-binding lectins from Canavalia brasiliensis and Cratylia argentea in a mice model of Salmonella infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 31:233-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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